All-Star Games to Showcase Talent

With its rosters filled with strong guards, the City and Southern Section basketball all-stars figure to be racing up and down the court in the Times-sponsored Battle of the Valley all-star games May 1 at Cal State Northridge.

The girls’ game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with the boys’ game at 7:30 p.m.

The Southern Section boys’ team, coached by Dick Dornan of Crespi High, includes top players from the Mission League. Leading the way are guard Cayce Cook and center J.J. Todd from Division III-A champion Chaminade, guards Devin Montgomery and Bryson Atkins from Division III-AA semifinalist Alemany, center Chris Williams of Notre Dame and guard Derek LaVelle of St. Francis.

Foothill League standouts Eskias McDaniels of Valencia and Kevin Krose of Burroughs and guard Michael Goldman of Calabasas also are key players.

Players from league champions Cleveland and Sylmar top the list of participants on the City team, coached by Adam Levitt and James Morris of Cleveland.

Sylmar is represented by George Wrighster, Jeremiah Turner and T.K. Reed, with Cleveland placing Kenny Mason, Eric Bush, Brian Smith and Kent Dennis on the team.

Dennis, an All-City guard bound for West Virginia, is the most high-profile performer. High-scoring James Word of Poly and Nana Gbewonyo of Kennedy are also on the team, along with Richard Harrison of Chatsworth.

The Southern Section girls’ team is headed by Damaris Hinojosa, The Times’ Ventura County player of the year from Moorpark, and Omelogo Udeze, The Times’ Valley player of the year from Harvard-Westlake. Hinojosa has signed with Pepperdine. Udeze led the Wolverines to the Division III state final.

Coached by Dave Munroe of Hart, the Southern Section team has excellent post players with Christine Lambert of Paraclete, Kelly Paige of Crescenta Valley and Briana Kentfield of Hart. Guards Mari Myllykoski of Royal and Mania Houspian of Glendale add to a strong team.

The City Section, coached by Lori Chandler of El Camino Real, will count on Cara Blumfield of El Camino Real, and Tashean Thomas and Markia Derby of North Hollywood. The threesome give the City lots of speed and scoring potential.

More help will come from Michelle Jimenez of Sylmar, Angelle Hill of North Hollywood, Natalie Gabor of Grant and Ig Herrera of Reseda.